WASHINGTON (AP) — In a surprising legal maneuver, former President Donald Trump has granted pardons to some of his close associates, including former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows, who were embroiled in the controversy surrounding the 2020 election results. A Justice Department official revealed that the pardons encompass several attorneys, notably conservative figures like Sidney Powell and John Eastman.

The proclamation for the pardons, shared on social media, states they are 'full, complete, and unconditional,' yet notably asserts that Trump himself is not covered by these pardons. It is essential to understand that presidential pardons can only absolve federal crimes, and none of the pardoned associates faced federal charges, which indicates a strategic approach by Trump to reshape the narrative regarding the electoral defeat.

No immediate comment was made by the White House in response to requests for clarification. Additionally, the list of pardoned individuals includes Republicans who posed as fake electors in various states, facing charges related to the submission of fraudulent electoral certificates amid Joe Biden's electoral victory.

In defending his decision, Trump’s proclamation characterizes the prosecutions against these individuals as a 'grave national injustice,' asserting that the pardons aim to foster 'the process of national reconciliation.' This move is seen as part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to revisit and challenge the circumstances of the 2020 election, as he continues to assert claims of electoral fraud.